The house of Piero Bargellini, a key figure during “l’alluvione di Firenze 1966”

PHOTOS & SPANISH VERSION BELOW

The Arno River severely overflowed on the 4th of November, 1966, causing what is commonly known as “l’alluvione di Firenze”. The city of Florence and part of Tuscany were inundated by the floods, causing an impact affecting the economic and cultural environment of Florence. Fortunately, as November 4 was a bank holiday, many businesses were closed and a large part of the population was at home, thus avoiding an even bigger disaster. Nevertheless, 101 people died, 5000 families lost their homes and 6000 businesses had to close. The deluge also destroyed and/or damaged countless works of art, prominent buildings and books. The damages could be repaired thanks to the efforts of Italian citizens, international committees and foreign donors. Piero Bargellini (1897-1980), writer, historian, politician and intellectual, was the mayor of Florence in that difficult moment.

Bargellini bought the 16th century Palazzo Da Cepparello in 1946. His studio conformed by two spacious rooms, whose walls display six frescoes dated in the 14th century, are the footprint and the cultural legacy of this professional, humanist, charismatic character, and political leader, very dear to the Florentines. Three pianos, part of the writer’s library, photographs connected to the “alluvione”, letters sent by the citizens during his political mandate and various domestic and personal items keep alive the essence that summarizes both, his professional career and intellectual passions as well as his personal and family life.

Gregorio Nardi, Bargellini’s grandson and remarkable pianist, and his wife Annegret welcome me in the studio to explain with true devotion and extreme delicacy the objects arranged in every room: books, letters, personal items, pictures showing Bargellini with American politicians and celebrities … During our conversation, political episodes and Bargellini family´s personal and daily anecdotes emerge. Firsthand they tell me how was Piero Bargellini, a simple, humble and sensitive person, both in his political role and in his privacy. “It is important to know what happened during “l’alluvione” to learn more about the contemporary history of Florence, for which Bargellini was certainly an essential figure,” says Annegret just before saying goodbye. I leave the place with the feeling of having experienced a unique encounter.

People can discover one of the Florence´s recent history key figures via this catastrophic event by visiting Piero Bargellini house, which is nowadays open to the public upon request (+39 055 241724).

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Paco Neumann

Paco Neumann is a journalist, photographer, proofreader, flâneur and perpetual amateur currently living in between Florence, Berlin and Tenerife. He´s been a regular contributor to fashion, art, trend and lifestyle magazines and worked for news, advertising and communication agencies

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